text:
|Número de publicación
|Tipo de publicación
|Número de solicitud
|Fecha de publicación
|29 Sep 1998
|Fecha de presentación
|19 Sep 1996
|Fecha de prioridad
|20 Sep 1995
|También publicado como
|Número de publicación
|Richard B. Stein
|Cesionario original
|Neuromotion Inc.
|Exportar cita
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citas de patentes (5), Otras citas (4), Citada por (86), Clasificaciones (4), Eventos legales (9)
|Enlaces externos: USPTO, Cesión de USPTO, Espacenet
This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/530,603, filed Sep. 20, 1995.
This invention relates to an electronic stimulator comprising a garment carrying fixed electrodes and means for properly positioning the garment so that the electrodes overlie a nerve to be stimulated. The garment further carries means for monitoring body movement and means for activating the electrodes at appropriate intervals to stimulate the nerve and activate dormant muscles, thereby assisting the body in making a particular movement. For example, the stimulator may be used to assist in overcoming "foot drop" affecting a person who has had a stroke.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a method for replacing function, such as walking or grasping, that is partially or completely lost after various lesions to the central nervous system, such as stroke or spinal cord injury.
One of the most common deficits in the lower leg is "foot drop". In this condition, the patient is unable to properly activate the muscles that flex the ankle, to enable the foot to clear the ground during the swing phase of walking. Instead, the foot drops and drags along the ground.
Liberson et al, in a paper entitled "Functional Electrotherapy, Stimulation of the Peroneal Nerve Synchronized with the Swing Phase of the Gait of Hemiplegic Patients" Arch. Phys. Med., 1961, 42, 101-105, first proposed using electrical stimulation to correct foot drop. The authors suggested that the stimulation be controlled by a heel sensor. When the person leaned forward and reduced heel pressure, switch contacts built into the shoe heel would open. Upon opening the switch, current would flow to electrodes positioned over the common peroneal nerve near the knee. The nerve would be stimulated and innervate muscles that flex the ankle. Upon muscle contraction, the foot would flex and clear the ground without dragging during swing. When the heel returned to the ground at the beginning of stance phase, the switch contacts would close and stimulation would be terminated.
A number of variants of the basic system have been tried over the years and some success has been attained. The commonly known prior art electronic stimulators are reviewed in an article by Kralj et al, "Enhancement of Hemiplegic Patient Rehabilitation by Means of Functional Electrical Stimulation"; Prosthet. Orthot. Int., 1993, 17, 107-114.
However, the most common device fitted for people with the condition of foot drop is still an ankle-foot orthosis ("AFO"). An AFO does not involve electrical stimulation. It is a plastic brace that fits around the lower leg and holds the foot fixed, usually at an angle near 90° with respect to the long axis of the leg.
Although AFO's have several disadvantages, the electrical stimulators have not significantly replaced them because the latter have a number of drawbacks. Included among these drawbacks are:
1. that the electrical stimulators comprise a number of pieces, all of which have to be placed and connected together accurately. Carrying this out is a difficult and time-consuming chore for a patient who has likely lost some manual dexterity and who may have suffered some cognitive impairment as a result of stroke or injury. More specifically, these stimulator units typically comprise: (a) a box containing the stimulator, battery and control electronics, which have to be placed on the body or in a pocket; (b) electrodes which have to be placed accurately on the skin; (c) some garment, such as an elastic knee stocking, for supporting the electrodes in place; (d) a foot switch; and (e) wiring connecting the electronics and electrodes;
2. that the lengthy wiring is prone to breakage;
3. that the foot switch may not work reliably on all of several different surfaces such as pavement, carpet, sand, up and down ramps and the like; and
4. that some patients may not land on their heel or put little weight on it, due to spasticity or contractures in the calf muscles. These problems can lead to failure to trigger the stimulation. An alternative is to have a fixed duration of stimulation. This may be appropriate at some speeds of walking or levels of fatigue, but not at others.
With this background in mind, I set out to design an electronic stimulator which is easy to don and doff, which automatically and accurately positions the electrodes, which incorporates sensors that more completely monitor body motion and do not require heel pressure, which uses relatively short connecting wires, and which controls stimulation in response to the stage of body motion.
In developing the invention, I have used a locating means disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,368, issued to Russek. This patent teaches a garment carrying a member which closely conforms to the protuberance of the spine. By positioning the member over the spine, electrodes carried by the garment are automatically located accurately over nerves to be stimulated.
In a first aspect, a stimulator in accordance with a preferred form of the present invention comprises, in combination:
a band of stretchable, breathable fabric having fastening means at its ends for securement of the band around the user's leg in the form of a ring;
anode and cathode electrodes carried by the band in a stationary or fixed condition;
locating means, carried by the band, for cooperating with the bony protuberance of the tibia, to accurately and reproducibly locate the electrodes over the nerve to be stimulated;
tilt sensor means, carried by the band, for measuring the angle of the lower segment of the leg relative to vertical in the sagittal (forward and back) plane and emitting sensor signals indicative thereof;
battery means, carried by the band, for supplying electrical current, as required; and
control means, carried by the band and connected with the sensor means, electrodes and battery means, for receiving the sensor signals, processing the sensor signals to establish values indicative of the changing angularity of the limb (that is, position of the lower leg with respect to vertical) and to compare the established values with predetermined adjustable ON and OFF threshold values and initiating and terminating emission of electrical pulses though the electrodes on respectively reaching the ON and OFF threshold values to stimulate the leg muscles in response to phases of body movement.
The band, carrying the components, is compact and thin enough to fit comfortably under pants or other clothing.
The combination of the locating means and fastening means has enabled the assembly to be easily donned with the electrodes correctly located, even when handled by an impaired user. Test trials have shown that the entire assembly can be donned or doffed in less than a minute.
The combination of the tilt sensor with the control means provides a fine degree of continuous leg position monitoring coupled with accurately initiated and terminated stimulation. The result is that stimulation can be closely related to leg position to provide an improved and refined pattern of stimulation, in comparison to prior art FES units. The device provides continuous sensory signals and turns the stimulus on and off regardless of the speed of walking.
Those skilled in the art will realize that certain of the components described can be replaced with equivalents. For example, a resilient C-shaped carrier could replace the band. Another sensor, such as an accelerometer or electric compass, could be substituted for the tilt sensor.
However, the disclosed components are preferred. The elastic band provides good securement and is easily donned and doffed. The tilt sensor provides accurate information even though the user is fat or thin, walks with shoes or in bare feet and walks fast or slow on a variety of surfaces having different inclinations. The tilt sensor further is less sensitive to pathological changes such as contractures or clonus at the ankle, than is the case for a heel switch.
Broadly stated, the invention is a functional electrical stimulator for use on a body limb, comprising: a band, mountable on the limb, for carrying stimulator components; cathode and anode electrodes carried by the band in a fixed condition; means, carried by the band, for reproducibly positioning the band so that the electrodes are located at specified stimulation locations; sensor means, carried by the band in a fixed condition, for measuring the angular position of the limb during movement and emitting sensor signals indicative thereof; control circuit means, carried by the band and connected with the sensor means and electrodes, for receiving the sensor signals, processing the sensor signals to establish values indicative of the changing angularity of the limb and to compare the established values with predetermined adjustable ON and OFF threshold values and initiating and terminating the emissions of pulses through the electrodes when the established values reach the ON and OFF threshold values, to stimulate the limb; and battery means, carried by the band and connected with the sensor means and control circuit means, for supplying electrical power.
In some instances it is preferable to also compare the established values with predetermined adjustable maximum time thresholds and terminate limb stimulation should they be exceeded.
In another aspect of the invention, a patient using the apparatus in combination with a clinician or other means, can generate the data necessary to better define the parameters such as angular ON and OFF threshold values and time thresholds. In a preferred aspect, a hand switch, operated by a clinician, or a limb mounted sensor is used to define the states at which stimulation of the limb is required for proper limb movement. In other words a template is defined for optimal stimulation of the limb. By comparing the limb stimulation states which are actually output by the apparatus and those defined by the template, the parameters used by the apparatus stimulator control circuits can be optimized.
FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the stimulator mounted on a leg with the locations of the tibia and common peroneal nerve shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the stimulator with the pouch wall broken away to display the tilt sensor, battery and circuit boards;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the system, showing connections between the logic circuitry, tilt sensor, battery, stimulator circuits and the electrodes;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the tilt sensor, logic, power and stimulator circuits and the electrodes;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the logic circuitry in conjunction with data recorded from a patient user; and
FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the operation of the logic circuitry for data recorded from a patient according to original parameters (FIG. 6) and optimized parameters (FIG. 7) as they relate to the Example.
Having reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stimulator 1, comprises a band 2 made of stretchable, breathable material. One suitable material is perforated neoprene, available from Rubatex Corporation, Bedford, Va. The band 2 forms a pouch 3, for containing stimulator components. Patches 4 of Velcro* fastening material are provided at the band ends to fasten them together, so that the band can form a snug ring around the user's leg 5 below the knee 6.
A V-shaped metal plate 7 is positioned in the pouch 3 and fits snugly therein so as to be fixed along the length of the band. The plate 7 is weakened along its vertical mid-line. It can be readily bent therealong to conform to the anterior position of the tibia 8. The plate may include vertical protrusions which lay parallel to and on opposing sides of the tibia to more positively constrain lateral movement relative to the tibia. Once so bent, the plate 7 can be located reproducibly on the tibia.
Cathode and anode electrodes 9, 10 are attached to the band 2 with conductive snap connectors 11 as shown in FIG. 3.
The optimal placement of the electrodes 9, 10 is determined by a technician or clinician working with the patient. The cathode electrode 9 is usually placed where the common peroneal nerve 13 comes from behind the knee 6 past the head of the fibula 14. Placement of the anode electrode 10 is less critical. It is usually placed further along the course of the nerve 13, where it enters the ankle flexor muscles 12. Once these locations are determined, the band 2 is placed over the electrodes and holes are punched through the fabric with a hole punch. The electrodes contain a male connector that is fitted through the hole and connected with the female connector 11. These female connectors are attached to leads L1, L2.
The electrodes used are of the water-filled cotton type, available from the Josef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
In summary then, the band 2 is reproducibly positioned by fitting the plate 7 over the tibia 8, thereby locating the electrodes 9, 10 at the desired positions.
A tilt sensor 17 (otherwise known as an inclinometer) is secured to a printed circuit board containing logic circuit 19 which in turn is attached to the positioning plate 7. Thus, the tilt sensor is fixed with respect to the tibia and the rest of the lower leg. As previously stated, the tilt sensor 17 functions to measure the angle of the lower leg with respect to the vertical in the sagittal plane and emit signals indicative thereof. One suitable sensor for this purpose is available from Midori Inc. Fullerton, Calif., under the designation Model No. UV1.
A 1.5 V AA alkaline or 1.2 V AA NiCd battery 18 for powering the components is attached to the plate 7. The output voltage of the battery 18 is increased to 3 volts by a DC--DC converter 28, for operation of the logic circuit 19. As described below, the battery output voltage is increased through a second converter (not shown) to 5 V and further then to 70 volts by a transformer 29, for operation of the stimulator circuit 20.
The logic circuit 19 and stimulator circuit 20 are mounted to the plate 7 and together comprise control circuit means.
The logic circuit 19 functions to receive the tilt sensor signals, condition them, compare them to threshold values related to changes in gait and to activate or de-activate the stimulator circuit 20 in response thereto.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the logic circuit 19 is connected by suitable leads L3-L6 with the battery 19, tilt sensor 17 and stimulator circuit 20.
For simplicity, lead L3 from the DC--DC converter is only shown connected to the comparator and filter circuits in FIG. 4, but in reality it powers all elements on the logic circuit board 19.
The transformer 29 functions to increase the low voltage battery to higher voltage and the stimulation circuit 20 produces short energy pulses. It is connected with the electrodes 9, 10 by leads L1 and L2.
The components and functions of the logic circuit 19 are now described.
The tilt sensor 17 produces an analog sensor signal of varying voltage, dependent on its angular position relative to gravity. This sensor signal is transmitted to the filter circuit 21 through lead L7. The signal is filtered by a standard R.C. filter circuit 21. It has values of: R=82 Kohms, C=1.0 μF. The filter R.C. circuit 21 removes the higher frequency acceleration signals.
The filtered sensor signal is then amplified by operational amplifier 22. The amplifier used is available from Texas Instruments under designation TLC 274. The amplifier 22 increases the output voltage by 10 to 20 times.
The amplified sensor signal is then filtered by a second R.C. filter circuit 23, which has values of R=82 Kohms and C=1.0 μF. Together the circuits 21 and 23 comprise a second-order low-pass R.C. filter with a cutoff frequency of 2 Hz.
The filtered, amplified (i.e. "conditioned") sensor signal is transmitted from filter R.C. circuit 23 to comparator circuit 24. The signal is an analog one, delivered in volts. The comparator circuit 24 signals activation or deactivation of the stimulator circuit by emitting a digital control signal via lead L6. The comparator circuit used is available from Texas Instruments under the designation TLC 274.
The comparator circuit 24 compares the conditioned sensor signal voltage with an angular ON threshold and operates to activate the stimulator circuit when the threshold is exceeded. A potentiometer 25 enables adjustment of the angular ON threshold. The potentiometer used is available from R. S. Components Ltd., Corby, Northants., U.K., under the designation 186-974.
The comparator circuit 24 also compares the conditioned sensor signal voltage with an angular OFF threshold and operates to deactivate or turn off the stimulator circuit 20 if the voltage drops below this threshold. Potentiometer 30 (also available from R. S. Components) provides a variable amount of hysteresis. In other words, the angular OFF threshold will differ from the ON signal by an amount between 0 and 0.5 volts, depending on the setting of the potentiometer 30.
Thus, the comparator circuit 24 emits a HI control signal (3 volts) when the conditioned sensor signal voltage becomes greater than the angular ON voltage (ON threshold) and a LOW control signal (0 volts) when the voltage becomes less than the angular OFF voltage (OFF threshold).
The digital control signal is delivered via L6 to a timer circuit 26 (the function of which is described below) and thereafter to a lock-out circuit 27. Once the control signal is gated LOW (stimulation to be deactivated), there is a further time, referred to as the lock-out period, during which the lock-out circuit, via lead L5, prevents re-activation of the stimulus. The lock-out circuit used is available from Motorola Semiconductor Products Inc., Austin Tex. under designation CD4538. Lock-out normally occurs at about the time that the heel strikes the ground (see FIG. 5), which gives rise to some oscillation (known as "clonus"). During clonus, even if the conditioned signal were to reach the angular ON threshold, the lock-out circuit 27 functions to continue to gate the comparator output LOW to prevent premature re-triggering of the stimulator circuit 20. The lock-out time can be adjusted between 0.1 and 1 second, using the potentiometer 32 (available from R. S Components).
Thus, the comparator and lock-out circuits 24, 27 monitor the digital control signals and the comparator delivers a HI or a LOW digital signal, as appropriate, to the stimulator circuit 20. More particularly, the comparator circuit 24 delivers a HI signal to the stimulator circuit to turn stimulation ON. The comparator circuit delivers a LOW signal to turn the stimulation OFF. The OFF or LOW signal is processed through the lock-out circuit to introduce the appropriate delay.
In some instances during walking, the patient's leg may not exhibit an angular OFF control signal which occurs early enough in time to properly deactivate the stimulator circuit 20. Therefore, in an alternate embodiment, the stimulator circuit may be deactivated by measuring the time which has elapsed, since the comparator 24 first signalled activation of the stimulation circuit, and comparing it against a maximum elapsed time threshold.
More particularly, the timer circuit 26 is configured to allow adjustment of the maximum allowable elapsed time from 0.2 seconds to 4 seconds using potentiometer 31 (available from R. S. Components). The timer circuit used is available from Motorola under designation CD4538.
If the conditioned signal voltage does not go below the angular OFF threshold before reaching the maximum time threshold set by timer circuit 26, the comparator circuit 24 digital HI signal is gated LOW, signalling deactivation of the stimulator circuit 20, subject of course to the lock-out circuit 27.
Thus, each of the parameters--angular ON and OFF thresholds, maximum time threshold and lock-out period--are adjustable through the potentiometers 25, 30, 31, and 32 respectively.
A socket 33 is provided in the design so that the signals can be brought from the logic circuit to a digital computer for ease of adjusting the potentiometers and sensor data, as described later. Another socket 37 is also provided for connecting a hand or foot switch, should some patients be unable to use a tilt sensor due to the inability to generate sufficient tilt of the lower leg. The circuitry for processing these signals is not novel and is not detailed in FIG. 4. Essentially, inserting a hand or foot switch into the jack disables the filter and amplifier circuits and the alternative devices are connected directly to the comparator circuit 24. A choice of sensors provides flexibility to the preferred design.
The stimulator circuit 20 receives the digital control signal and delivers a series of stimuli (approximately 0.3 ms pulses at 40 ms intervals) through the electrodes 9, 10 for a period when the control signal remains HI. Also shown in FIG. 2 are an amplitude control 34 for adjusting the strength of the stimulus (0-100 mA) and a switch 35 for turning the stimulator and logic circuitry on and off. A suitable stimulator circuit, for this purpose, is available from Institute Josef Stefan under designation Mikrofes Stimulator.
Reliable operation, even for persons whose movement is weak or who have considerable clonus (oscillation), is obtained as shown in FIG. 5. This Figure illustrates two complete step cycles of a person using the device described in the embodiment above. The conditional tilt signal (after amplification and filtering) is illustrated by the solid line in the top part of the Figure. It increases as the body rotates over the leg, while the leg is on the ground during the stance phase of the step cycle. When the leg is behind the body, the angular ON threshold is exceeded (ON TH. in FIG. 5) and stimulation begins. Stimulation continues until 1) the tilt signal falls below the angular OFF threshold (OFF TH. in FIG. 5), as the leg is brought in front of the body during the swing phase of the step cycle, or 2) the maximum time threshold set by the timer circuit 26 is exceeded (not occurring in FIG. 5). The lockout circuit 27 prevents a subsequent re-triggering of the stimulation for a period of time, even if oscillations in the tilt signal reach the angular ON threshold (point A). The presence of hysteresis (the difference between the angular ON and OFF thresholds) prevents the stimulus from turning off prematurely should the stimulus happen to fall below the angular ON threshold, but not below the OFF threshold (point B).
Determination of stimulation requirements for proper limb movement is dependent, in part, upon the nature of the person's disability, the clarity of the signals received and differing physiological conditions such as walking speed and terrain. Accordingly, to avoid subjecting a patient to repeated trial and error testing, it may be necessary to adjust several control circuit parameters which affect initiation and termination of limb stimulation, including angular ON and OFF thresholds and time thresholds such as maximum stimulation time and lockout time.
Set-points for stimulus initiation and termination can be represented by a template which define the state of stimulation as being either ON or OFF, as a function of angle and time. By comparing the state of the stimulator circuit control output against the template, performance can be assessed and optimal adjustment for the control parameter settings can be predicted.
One such template is defined by a trained clinician who, by observing the gait of a patient and using a hand on/off switch, signals when stimulus should optimally be in an ON or OFF state. Alternately, a foot switch or one or more foot sensors can be temporarily employed during testing.
A foot switch produces either and ON or an OFF signal and indicates when the foot lifts from the ground and subsequently strikes the ground. A foot sensor produces a continuous and variable analog signal proportional to a foot's force against the ground. As a result, the position of the foot is somewhat less certain. By specifying a signal threshold, the signal can be analyzed to convert it to a binary ON/OFF or HI/LOW signal. More specifically, the threshold is set so that the signal is HI when the foot leaves the ground (force is lower than the threshold). The signal is set to LOW when the foot is lowered on to the ground and the signal falls below the threshold (force is greater than the threshold).
Once it has been determined that the foot is on or off of the ground, it must be established whether stimulation should be ON or OFF. Optimally, stimulation occurs a short time after the foot's heel leaves the ground and is terminated a short time after the heel strikes the ground. Thus, a template patterned after a foot switch or sensor would incorporate appropriate time delays.
The optimal state of stimulation, defined either by a hand switch or foot switch, is stored by a digital computer for subsequent analysis.
The ON or OFF state of the limb stimulation, as established by a hand switch or foot switch template is compared with that produced by the stimulator circuit for a stored set of tilt sensor test data, from a trial, comprising a plurality of step cycles. As shown in Table 1 below, four conditions are possible; an "error" representing that situation where the active circuit-generated state is inconsistent with the template-predicted state.
TABLE 1______________________________________ STIMULATORTEMPLATE output ERROR______________________________________1) ON ON correct2) ON OFF incorrect3) OFF ON incorrect4) OFF OFF correct______________________________________
The results are optimal when the percentage of recorded data in which the incorrect stimulation occurs during the trial (conditions 2 and 3) is minimized.
The stimulus ON and OFF signal is responsive to a multiplicity of parameters, four of which are: ON and OFF thresholds based on tilt angle; maximal permitted time of stimulation (maximum time OFF threshold); and lockout time at heel strike.
It is conceivable that variations in these four and other parameters can be made to improve or optimize the stimulator circuit performance as compared to the template.
One approach to optimize multiple parameters is to apply a gradient-search technique. An error value is calculated as being the percentage of data samples having incorrect stimulation over the total number of samples for the set. The optimization approach is then applied to minimize the error value for a set of step cycles deemed representative of the person's gait.
A gradient-search basically varies the value of one parameter at a time and observes its effect on the error, seeking the greatest decrease (steepest descent) in error. When all parameters have been varied, without further decrease in error, the step size or magnitude of the variation is reduced and the process is repeated. Generally, the gradient-search optimization is performed as follows:
obtain and store a set of data samples for the patient comprising a plurality of uniform step cycles;
establish the initial magnitude of variation to be applied to each parameter, being typically 1/2 or 50% of the difference between the current value of the parameter and its maximal range or value experienced in the set of data samples;
starting with the parameters that were last used (ie. the settings used during the patient's trials), vary each parameter by the magnitude of its variation, apply it to the data and re-calculate the error (try both increasing and decreasing the value);
If the error is successfully decreased, then that new value for the parameter which produced the greatest reduction in the error is substituted;
repeat the process until the error cannot be reduced further; and
reduce the magnitude of the variation applied to each parameter by 1/2 and repeat the above. Typically, once the magnitude of the variation has been reduced to about 1%, no further significant optimization of the error is apparent.
The optimized parameters are then input at the logic circuit board for use by the patient. These values are then used by logic board 19 as the pre-determined adjustable threshold values. The values are input by manually adjusting physical potentiometers (as shown in FIG. 4), or by automatically adjusting microprocessor-based set-points representing each of the stimulation control parameters.
The stimulation parameters, described above, are used for adjusting angular ON and OFF thresholds, time thresholds and lock-out time. These four parameters are sufficient for most cases, but other parameters could be added including the degree to which the signal is filtered.
Optimization of the stimulation parameters is demonstrated in the following example.
Walking data for one patient is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The patient was fitted with a tilt sensor and a foot switch. A 10 second period of tilt signal and foot switch samples was selected, representing eight of the patient's 8 step cycles.
A template was established using the foot sensor data. Foot sensor data below a 0.38 volts threshold (range of 0.0 to 2.5 volts) was interpreted as the foot being on the ground (signal LOW) and data above 0.38 volts was interpreted as the foot being off of the ground (signal HI). Further, a delay of 0.1 seconds was applied for defining the stimulation template from the HI/LOW data signal. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the template dictates that optimally, the leg stimulation should be initiated 0.1 seconds after foot off (at signal HI or >0.38 V) and be terminated 0.1 seconds after the foot touches down (at signal LOW or <0.38 V).
Unlike the data presented in FIG. 5, the tilt sensor data of this particular patient did not exhibit a suitably timed angular OFF threshold (OFF TH) and instead, leg stimulation was terminated after the maximum time OFF threshold, set (Tmax) by the timer circuit 26, was exceeded.
As seen in FIG. 6, of the eight step cycles, the actual stimulation was only applied in seven of the cycles; from about 2 seconds on. Practically, this means that the patient's foot was not stimulated for assisting in the flexing of the foot for clearing the ground during the forward swing phase of the leg. This occurred because the previous cycle of the leg did not cause the tilt sensor to reach the angular OFF threshold (point C) specified by the potentiometer setting for clearly indicating the termination of the patient's step cycle. It was only at about 2 seconds (point D) that the leg angle did finally drop below the OFF threshold and the end of a step cycle was clearly delineated.
The original and optimized parameters are presented in Table 2 below:
TABLE 2______________________________________ ORIGINAL OPTIMIZED______________________________________ON-- TH 5° 10°OFF-- TH -5° -8°T max 0.53 s 0.62 sT lock 0.14 s 0.14 sTotal Error 14% 5%______________________________________
As shown in FIG. 6, when the patient was tested with the original parameter settings, the stimulator circuit demonstrated a 14% error when compared to the template. The missed first step contributed greatly to the larger error. After optimization (FIG. 7), the error was reduced to 5% by varying three of the four parameters noticeably, namely, the tilt angle sensor ON and OFF thresholds (ON TH, OFF TH) and the maximum stimulation time (Tmax). In particular, it was the raising of the OFF TH from -5° to -8° which captured the first step cycle and would result in improved stimulation performance in future walking trials.
Clearly, while additional trials may be still performed to fine tune the parameters or define a set of parameters for differing physiological conditions, optimization can be achieved without unduly subjecting the patient to the large number of iterations that the optimization process can perform.
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|Clasificación de EE.UU.
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|2 Ene 1997
Owner name: NEUROMOTION INC., CANADA
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Effective date: 19960917
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|14 Jun 2006
Owner name: CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., NEW YORK
Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:HANGER ORTHOPEDIC GROUP, INC.;HANGER PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS EAST, INC;INNOVATIVE NEUROTRONICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:017776/0212
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|Fee payment
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text:
|By Marketwired .
Article Rating:
|November 8, 2012 11:45 AM EST
PALO ALTO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/08/12 -- HP (NYSE: HPQ) today strengthened its mission-critical Converged Infrastructure portfolio with innovative and enhanced HP Integrity systems, HP-UX software and services to triple performance,(1) boost resiliency and deliver investment protection for critical workloads deployed into the next decade.
Based on HP enhancements and the Intel® Itanium® processor 9500 series, transactions are processed up to three times faster than previous generations, while using 21 percent less energy.(2) As a result, clients can realize a 33 percent savings in total cost of ownership (TCO).(3)
Today's announcement delivers against HP's commitment to industry-leading innovations for the HP Integrity platform. With advancements in availability and reliability, HP's mission-critical Converged Infrastructure will continue to enhance established HP Integrity platforms supporting HP-UX, HP NonStop and OpenVMS operating systems. Over time, these advancements will cascade to mission-critical x86 platforms delivering a single, unified infrastructure for UNIX®, Windows Server and Linux environments.
The newest solutions offer the scalability, continuous availability and efficiency needed by clients to achieve their mission-critical business goals and improve productivity. The new offerings include:
- A faster, more robust HP Superdome 2, with new blades and advancements to HP's flagship server that provide high availability for mission-critical workloads;
- Three new HP Integrity server blades for the HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure, providing unique workload flexibility with the industry's only electrically isolated hard-partitioning capabilities;
- A new entry-class HP Integrity server for branch offices or expanding businesses that is ENERGY STAR® certified for reduced energy use;
- HP-UX advancements that deliver enhanced security and management to speed threat detection and optimize resource utilization; and
- New advisory workshop services, financing programs and cost assessment tools to assist clients in optimizing their mission-critical environment.
"Our mission-critical clients face ever-increasing demands for uptime, performance and security with their most critical applications," said Ric Lewis, vice president and interim general manager, Business Critical Systems and Converged Application Systems, HP. "Today's announcement demonstrates HP's continued commitment to transform the server landscape with innovations to the Integrity portfolio -- offered within a mission-critical Converged Infrastructure that will endure into the future."
HP fortifies IT with improved scalability, reliability and efficiency
HP Superdome 2 now offers a boost in scalability and performance with double the number of cores.(4) Increased reliability also is achieved with enhancements that provide built-in intelligence that enables proactive detection, analysis and repair of errors.
HP's expanded portfolio also includes server blades that deliver improved resiliency with electrically isolated hard partitions that fully isolate workloads without compromising data integrity. The new server blades utilize reduced power -- up to 21 percent less energy (2) -- with new low-voltage, dual in-line memory modules (DIMMS). They also improve efficiency with the new 9500 series processors.
The new server blades include the HP Integrity BL860c i4, which scales up to two sockets; the HP Integrity BL870c i4, with up to four socket configurations; and the HP Integrity BL890c i4, with up to eight sockets. Additionally, the ENERGY STAR certified HP Integrity rx2800 i4 entry-level server improves energy efficiency.
"Both lines of our business were experiencing phenomenal growth and struggling to manage increased data traffic," said Heini Kalt, director, ICT Infrastructure & Operations, Hotelplan Group. "We selected HP Integrity servers to ensure high system availability because we needed the most reliable option to support the nearly ten-fold increase in data volumes from holiday accommodation agents, travel agents and internet-based customers. The HP Integrity server platform met our current needs, while providing us the flexibility and scalability to protect our investment, making sure our data centers are equipped for future needs."
Secure, automate and scale operations with HP-UX updates
New enhancements to HP-UX 11iv3(5) enable clients to:
- Improve security with a new common log file that delivers up to 10 times faster threat detection than previous generations;(5)
- Simplify management with HP Capacity Advisor's new analysis tool that identifies idle and under- or over-utilized servers to increase server efficiency; and
- Double the size of HP-UX workloads supported within the same data center footprint with up to 256 cores per server.(6)
New service and programs align IT with business needs to lower risks
HP also has introduced the HP Platform Advisory Workshop to assist clients in planning future mission-critical environments or transitioning from legacy servers to HP Integrity with recommendations for optimization, migration and risk mitigation. Upon completion, clients receive a customized blueprint of their organization's ideal transition path to the newest HP Integrity systems.
Also new is an enhanced TCO Calculator to help mission-critical customers assess the TCO for maintaining existing infrastructure and to help determine the cost to transition and support new HP Integrity systems.
Flexible financing, leasing and trade-in options provided by HP Financial Services, the company's leasing and life cycle asset management subsidiary, enable clients to transition from legacy infrastructure to the newest HP Integrity systems with minimal upfront investment.
Pricing and availability(7)
The first new HP Integrity systems, including the Superdome 2 server blades, will be available worldwide beginning next month at a starting price of $6,490 per blade.
The HP Platform Advisory Workshop services are available worldwide with pricing based on location and implementation.
HP's premier Europe, Middle East and Africa client event, HP Discover, takes place Dec. 4-6 in Frankfurt, Germany.
About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.
Intel and Itanium are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark owned by the U.S. government.
(1) Based on HP labs testing that compared HP Integrity blade servers with the Intel Itanium processor 9500 series versus Intel Itanium processor 9300 series, resulting in a 3.29 times performance improvement over the previous generation, rounded to three times the improvement.
(2) Based on HP internal lab testing that compared HP Integrity RX2800 i2 severs, with Intel Itanium 9300 series processors and 24 8GB DIMM memory cards versus HP Integrity RX2800 i4 servers, with Intel Itanium 9500 series processors and 24 8GB DIMM memory cards. The difference was 162 watts or 21.4 percent less energy consumption for the Intel Itanium 9500 series processor-based system. ENERGY STAR qualification based on published qualification data for the HP Integrity RX2800 i4 server, in the category for Enterprise Server. Testing done June 2012.
(3) HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i2 blades (previous generation) supported a maximum of 128 cores, versus the HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i4 blades (newest generation) which supports a maximum of 256 cores.
(4) Based on a comparison of the HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i2blades and the newest-generation HP Superdome 2 with CB900i4 blades.
(5) The official update to HP-UX 11i v3 was on September 2012.
(6) Based on HP-UX Security Lab testing, HP Bangalore, August 2012. Threat detection can be done up to 10 times faster with the new common log file per multiple AAA servers that perform authentication, authorization and accounting on a system.
(7) U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by HP's businesses; the development and transition of new products and services (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the protection of HP's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the hiring and retention of key employees; assumptions related to pension and other post-retirement costs and retirement programs; the execution, timing and results of restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost and the anticipated benefits of implementing those plans; expectations and assumptions relating to the execution and timing of cost reduction programs and restructuring and integration plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described in HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2012 and HP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
© 2012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Shale Gas News and Information
The Storm before the Calm: UK shale opponents evaporate
- Details
- Written by Nick Grealy
I've been using a variation of this line since 2008: "I've been in the natural gas business for 24 years and the first 17 were really boring". But I think it's going to get boring again and we can all worry about important stuff again.
We've had the storm, now it's time for the calm in UK onshore oil and gas. Note how I include oil and don't differentiate between shale and "conventional". We may be entering a phase where the industry will be allowed to just do it.
Recent comments
I am neither a nimby, eccentric or a revolutionary, simply a concerned individual that has researched and verified the ghastly consequences of the vile technology the is Fracking over the past six years, and as for not caring, that sir, we shall see.
VernonyPermalinkOh. Of course the anti progress mob is drying up . The rent a mob and purveyors of misinformation always move on remember CND and The Anti Globisation . And the student riots of the 1960s , Swampy ? In the main these people are young and impressionable and wish to be noticed and hero worshiped. As...
GuestPermalinkMr Grealy, I would not be so sure if the anti-shale opponents have evaporated. Remember these are people who have times on their hands and nothing to lose. This is where UK shale industry has gone so wrong. They underestimate the public hostility against fossil fuel industry because the whole ind...
Coming up on the inside track to move ahead? European shale gas lives
- Details
- Written by Nick Grealy
Ahead of this Oscar weekend, I'm struck at the similarities between development hell in the movie business and the oil and gas business:
In media industry jargon, development hell (or development limbo) is a state during which a film or other project remains in development without progressing to production. A film, video game, television program, screenplay, computer program, concept, or idea stranded in development hell takes an especially long time to start production, or never does. Projects in development hell are not officially cancelled, but work on them slows or stops.
An apt description of the the UK 14th Round, now being digested in the policy python of Whitehall, but it could be used to describe shale development anywhere else in Europe. Or, perhaps,not for much longer.
Recent comments
StriebsPermalinkTooWindy , Yep , for some councilors it has already become a massive ego trip . You are always going to run into problems when people who want to do something have to obtain permission from people who do nothing . With the slim chance of the forthcoming election delivering an outright majority I ...
TooWindyPermalinkThe UK shale looks less likely to happen every day. Local planning committee has the real power here. I think the industry has badly underestimated the power plays of the local council and focussed on the central government Whitehall only. Central government cannot do much about the...
Pennsylvania and UK Shale Gas 2008 to 2015: Go Compare.
- Details
- Written by Nick Grealy
I first mentioned shale here 78 months ago in August 2008, based on this report.
The article predicted abundant US supplies of gas, plunging prices and collapsing US LNG demand.That was at time when the UK energy policy was based on soaring natural gas prices based on the UK being the last place LNG would come to after going to US and Asian Markets. So much for that theory, as UK NBP is now higher than Japanese (JKM) gas.But back to 2008,
Recent comments
NickPermalink@adam Do you really think I haven't seen Gasland? I think you should get out more and see the rest of the debate. Don't believe the first thing you read. Life is not black, white, yes/no or shale /renewables. Life's complicated. And yes. I'm happy to drink, eat, swim and play in frack water. ...
AdamPermalinkI think, as long as everyone wanting to drill is made to live where they are drilling and are happy with their loved ones washing and drinking the water. Then we should be good to go. However I think the reality would be more like that scene from Erin Brockovich where the lawyer goes to take a sip...
NickPermalinkAndrew, I'll have to quote Francis Egan of Cuadrilla here: If we could talk shale out of the ground, the UK would be the Saudi Arabia of shale gas. He has also said that it's not how much gas do we have, but how much would you like. If Cuadrilla can drill, and are then successful, we would see it en...


text: More from SI Report: Dodgers release pitcher Freddy Garcia Report: Dodgers release pitcher Freddy Garcia Marshawn Lynch sports gold cleats for Super Bowl Marshawn Lynch sports gold cleats for Super Bowl Louisville vs. FIU: Game time, live stream, TV coverage Louisville vs. FIU: Game time, live stream, TV coverage Pittsburgh-area high school football player dies after... Pittsburgh-area high school football player dies after... Close Tweet0 Share0 Comment0 Share0 Share0 Stumble It0 Print0 More SI Wire USA women's soccer announces 2012 Olympic squad by Alexander Abnos Twitter Email Posted: Sun May. 27, 2012 U.S. Head Coach Pia Sundhage has announced her 18-woman squad for this summer's Olympic games. (Martin Rose, Getty Images)United States women's soccer head coach Pia Sunhage has released her 18-woman roster for this summer's Olympic games in the United Kingdom. Headlined by 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup stars Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, and Hope Solo, the 2012 Olympic roster features a total of 17 players from last year's World Cup squad.The squad is also very similar to the one that won gold at the last Olympic games in Beijing, with 11 players retaining their spot from four years ago. The United States will face 2011 World Cup semi-finalists France in the first match of group play on July 25th at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. The Americans will also take on Colombia and Korea DPR in the group stage. The United States has advanced to the gold medal game in every Olympic women's soccer tournament that has been contested. Promoted Stories Comments


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Foil balloons make decorating for your party easy and fun. Add to a balloon bouquet or tie to the birthday child's chair for a great look! Includes (1) Foil balloon which measures approximately 36" in diameter. Pattern is printed on both sides of the balloon - may have two different images on either side. Add Latex balloons, curling ribbon and balloon weights to create a truly uplifting arrangement.
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Dener Ceide: The Radiantby Moses St. Louis
"I'm in love with music, sounds cliché but so true, I am a guitar player, a music lover, I use melodies, meaningful harmonies, words and emotions to share my definition of love." This is how Dener...
Katia Cadet: She's Boundless!by Moses St. Louis
Nominated singer-songwriter Katia Cadet, earned her Grammy nod for co-writing the hit tune "911" performed by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige. Subsequently called upon by A-list producer Salaam Remi...
Nobody but Neefah!by Moses St. Louis
Prior to launching her musical career Neefah got her start by auditioning for the Brooklyn High School of the Arts; a specialized arts school where she majored in vocal music. In addition she took...
Interview with Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charlesby Moses St. Louis
Jacqueline Charles, was born in Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos, as the only child to a Haitian mother. She was raised by her mother and Cuban-American stepfather. She attended...


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ecb.co.uk News
12th June 2015
Hampshire have announced that the third Royal London one-day international between England and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl on Sunday is a sell-out.
ecb.co.uk News
7th June 2015
Former Hampshire and England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas has been appointed New Zealand's bowling coach on a permanent basis.
ecb.co.uk News
5th June 2015
The last few remaining tickets are on sale for England's upcoming Royal London One-Day International against New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl.
ecb.co.uk News
17th February 2015
The latest intakes of the Elite International Cricket Academy have been announced, to be based at the Ageas Bowl for the third successive year.
ecb.co.uk News
16th February 2015
England internationals Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara will both play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in this year's Indian Premier League.
Callum Dent
29th January 2015
Winning the Big Bash League with Perth Scorchers was the perfect ending to Michael Carberry's "enjoyable trip" to Australia.
Rob Barnett
28th January 2015
A thrilling finale to the Big Bash League saw Michael Carberry at the crease as his Perth Scorchers defended the title via victory over Sydney Sixers in Canberra.
Matt Somerford
27th January 2015
Michael Lumb expects a "cracking game" when his Sydney Sixers meet defending champions Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League final in Canberra on Wednesday.
Matt Somerford
25th January 2015
Michael Carberry crashed the only half-century of a low-scoring Big Bash League semi-final to help defending champions Perth Scorchers into Wednesday's final.
Callum Dent
21st January 2015
Fine performances from Yasir Arafat and Michael Klinger proved in vain for Perth Scorchers as Peter Handscomb's unbeaten century led Melbourne Stars to a dramatic three-wicket victory that secured their place in the Big Bash League semi-finals.


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Other Learning Resources
Our Genealogy Workshops Nationwide
Please check back often for schedule updates!
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offers the public a comprehensive program of genealogical workshops and courses in its facilities nationwide. Topics include an introduction to genealogy and research into records such as census schedules, military service and pension records, and passenger lists.
"Help! I'm Stuck" Genealogy Consultation, Washington, DC, October 17
Virtual Genealogy Fair, US National Archives YouTube channel, October 21 & 22
Introduction to Genealogy, Washington, DC, November 4
Overview of Military Records at NARA, Fort Worth, TX, November 6
Brick Wall Workshops, Seattle, WA, November 12
"Help! I'm Stuck" Genealogy Consultation, Washington, DC, November 21
Introduction to Genealogy, Washington, DC, December 2
Researching American Indians Online, Fort Worth, TX, December 4
Brick Wall Workshops, Seattle, WA, December 10
Separate genealogy programs are held in Washington, DC, and in the regional facilities. For details on any given program, please contact that facility directly:


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Same gender relationships clarifications?
View Single Post
Quote: Originally Posted by
Let me ask. You get the SGR, you going to keep rerolling to do those over and over and over again? People will do that for clicking 1-0 though. I don't suspect many would do it to marry Mako over and over again. I don't suspect people would do it again and again if it was my suggestion of a Cartel Market companion.
Me, personally? I won't need to keep rerolling. I only have 3 characters that are out of the Starter Planets, and only 2 of them are Max level, a male Sith Warrior that went OGR with Vette and female BH that skipped doing Romances due to not having SGRs. (Yes, Torian got my Mako
), The one that's not max, a Sith Inquis, I wanted to re-roll anyways since I am unhappy with how I had been playing him so far.
However, the lack of SGRs have prevented me from playing ANY of the light-side content, and also from re-rolling the before-mentioned Inquis.
So, Yes, the lack of SGRs is preventing me from experiencing much of the "content" this game has to offer, and thereby, adding them in is just like adding "New" content to me.
As an aside, I am a continuous subscriber, and I have been since Early Access. I stopped playing the game when Secret World came out and I haven't returned to playing full-time due to the fact that SGRs are not implemented yet. I've continued to subscribe the entire time that I haven't been playing because I believed in Bioware and I believed in SWTOR and I wanted to help them succeed.
However, my sub is due to renew in Feb, and I'm not sure I'm going to let it if something isn't communicated soon.


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Eagle University touches down following strong summer
September 3, 2015 RIPLEY — The eagle is flying higher than ever at Ripley. Ripley Central School's summer program, Eagle University, expanded in several ways this summer. Session 4 concluded on Friday, Aug. more »»
A D'Vine Experience
August 27, 2015 The D'Vine Experience will have something for the whole family to enjoy. The event organized by the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County and Enactus will be held Sept. more »»
Family Church Mayville holds water baptism in Chautauqua Lake
August 27, 2015 In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commanded the Apostles to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. more »»
Recreation Center lands grant
August 27, 2015 The NorthLake Family Recreation Center has received a grant from the Lake Shore Savings Bank Community Reinvestment Fund for upgrades to their baseball facilities in Westfield. more »»
Late Portland man's WWII story shared in national magazine
August 27, 2015 firstname.lastname@example.com Over the years, Angelo Zanghi's experiences in World War II have been chronicled in articles by several writers. more »»
New PBS documentary includes Westfield Portage Pies
August 20, 2015 ERIE, Pa. — The new PBS documentary A Few Good Pie Places, produced by WQED Pittsburgh and premiering on WQLN-TV 54.1 on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. more »»
Neighbors complain about tree pile in Ripley
August 20, 2015 RIPLEY — If a tree falls in Ripley, does the property owner have to clean it up? The answer seems to be a matter of zoning. More than 50 people attended the Au. more »»
Westfield Fire Department gets new hose roller
August 20, 2015 On Aug. 3 Alan Holbrook, President of the Westfield Exempt Volunteer Firemen's Association, presented the Westfield Fire Department with a new hose roller. more »»
Westfield Community Pharmacy highlighted during First Friday
August 20, 2015 August's First Friday event in Westfield brought together a multitude of people and businesses in to downtown. As the event continues to grow so does the camaraderie in Westfiel. more »»
Westfield Fire Department responds to 199 calls in July
August 13, 2015 The Fire Department of Westfield responded to 199 calls for service during the month of July 2015. more »»
Heron Grounds to host First Annual Heron Bluegrass Festival
August 13, 2015 By Gavin Paterniti editorial@westfieldrepublican. more »»
Claire Lynch to perform at event
August 13, 2015 SHERMAN — Multi-award winner, Claire Lynch, brings her crystalline voice and razor sharp band to Heron Bluegrass Festival in Sherman, on Saturday, as part of The Claire Lynch Band's 2015 tour. more »»
Hillman-Pedersen duo to be among headlining acts
August 13, 2015 SHERMAN — He may be best known for his work with the Byrds, but when Chris Hillman performs in Sherman later this month he will showcase his first love: bluegrass music. more »»
Local representatives visit Grape Discovery Center
August 6, 2015 Local representatives from Chautauqua County and Erie County, Pennsylvania met with the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association at the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield, to discuss the similaritie... more »»
Proceeds from quilt auction to benefit Westfield Community Kitchen
August 6, 2015 Some women from St. Dominic's RC church spent the winter making a quilt for the Westfield Community Kitchen to raffle off as a fundraiser. more »»
Amish community supports Stanley Hose Company Project
August 6, 2015 SHERMAN — Recently, several members of the Sherman Amish community donated their services to build a storage facility on the Norvel Reed, Sr. Memorial Field on Klondike Roa. more »»
Cruise Against Hunger set for Saturday
August 6, 2015 How can you help your neighbors while checking out some amazing vehicles? Come to Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market's Cruise Against Hunger, of course! On Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.. more »»
Horrigan fishes with essay contest winners
July 30, 2015 Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan recently traveled to Chautauqua Marina to go fishing with the two grand prize winners of the Chautauqua County Sports Fishery Advisory Board's 23rd Annual... more »»
Debra Puckhaber to run for Westfield supervisor post
July 30, 2015 Debra Puckhaber announces her candidacy for Westfield town supervisor on the Working Families Party line. She believes that it is time to move forward and embrace pro-gress with quality leadership. more »»
Wildcat Weeks
July 30, 2015 By David Prenatt editorial@westfieldrepublica. more »»
News, Blogs & Events Web


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Featuring a universal quick-attach design and compatible with any skidsteer, the V3 FlexPlane attachment can enhance any landscaping job. The attachment is built with heavy-duty, contractor-grade materials; two double-beveled hardened cutting edges; large, stationary rear side plates that allow it to move more dirt than other models; and self-correcting springs that enhance operation. Available in five models of varying length, the attachment is designed for low maintenance and long product life.
Grouser Productswww.grouser.com
Grounds, Parks and Roadside...
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Cumbrian mum's anguish at death of daughter, 4
Last updated at 08:09, Friday, 16 November 2012
A young mum has spoken of the heartbreak of losing her cherished daughter to a rare genetic disease.
Isla Holliday, 4, died in her mother Kelly's arms after a long battle with illness.
Isla was diagnosed just two months after she was born with the degenerative Schinzel-Giedion syndrome.
Her parents, Kelly, 33, and Phil, 39, of Calva Road, Seaton, near Workington, were told by doctors that she had just two years to live. Her death at the age of four made her one of the longest surviving children to carry the disease.
Now Mrs Holliday has spoken of the joy Isla brought to their lives and the happy memories which will sustain them.
She described how, on the evening of November 1, Isla became ill and had to be rushed into hospital after her kidneys started to shut down.
Doctors told the couple there was nothing they could do for her.
It was Mrs Holliday's wish that Isla should be allowed to pass away at home with her family. She died in her mother's arms at just after noon the next day.
"I am heartbroken," said Mrs Holliday.
"She was just a massive part of my life. I just want to let everyone know how much I loved her.
"I am just wondering whether I am ever going to be the same person without her."
The couple tried to give Isla as normal a life as possible, as they knew her time was short. They took her on holidays to London, Lapland, Paris and Spain.
Mrs Holliday said: "I always treated her no differently to my little boy, Isaac. I wanted her to do everything that other kids could do.
Mr Holliday added: "We didn't know how long she had so we tried to do everything we could."
They both also have happy memories of their time with her.
Her father's last memory was giving her a bath just before she went to hospital, with her acting like her normal self in the bath tub.
He added: "I loved coming home and kissing her, giving her Eskimo kisses and I loved just everything about her.
"She was so special. She would just melt your heart by looking at her."
Isla was taken in a pink coffin by horse-drawn carriage to her funeral at St Mary's Catholic Church in Harrington, then Distington Hall Crematorium.
Mrs Holliday's cousin John Barnes designed a personal order of service booklet for the funeral, which included family pictures of Isla and poetry written by family members and friends.
Isla's parents said they were overwhelmed with the support they have received, with people sending them flowers, emails and messages on Facebook.
Mrs Holliday added that they had received more than £1,000 in donations for the Rainbow Trust, a charity which provides support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.
First published at 08:07, Friday, 16 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
Have your say
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Listening to our Clients: Launching New Loan Products
Opportunity Tanzania introduced two new loan products. The Pamoja loan ("together") will replace the current Trust Group loan. The loan type will increase flexibility while adding cohesion to the existing group model. The groups will be more formal in structure with specific and consistent start and finish times and number of participants. All clients within a group will start and finish their loan cycles at the same time. A more unified and organized structure is expected to lead to improved training and rates of repayment.
In addition, Opportunity Tanzania rolled out the Vuka loan ("crossing") at the Ilala, Arusha and Moshi branches. The newly designed loan targets smaller groups who can borrow larger sums of money and is seen as a graduated step between Trust Group loans and individual loans. The largest loan within the group cannot be more than three times the smallest loan in order to maintain the benefits of cross-guarantee. Like the Pamoja loan, the Vuka loan terms offer more flexibility than the standard Trust Group loan and lead to improved portfolio quality.
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If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you will get an e-mail when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports via e-mail without donating or by subscribing to this project's RSS feed.
Combined with other sources of funding, this project raised enough money to fund the outlined activities and is no longer accepting donations.
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Support another project run by Opportunity International that needs your help, such as:
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Oak Brook,
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Threadless Headsets
Tech Tuesday: How to Adjust a Threadless Headset
Make sure to visit the sponsors of this posts.. Problem Solvers! One concern that so many women (and guys) have with owning a bike is the basics of fixing it, or how to do basic road side repairs. I do recommend that as an avid cyclist even with some mechanical skills


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updated 06/15/2011 AT 9:00 AM ET
•originally published 06/17/2011 AT 7:45 AM ET
She's used to photographers snapping her picture, often in a bikini on the beaches of California. But for her wedding next spring to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, Kristin Cavallari really wants to wow people.
"I'll probably keep up my regular gym routine for the coming months … until spring. And then probably two months before [the wedding] I'll go at it harder," says the former Hills star, 24.
But it's not just the gym that will get Cavallari wedding ready. She plans on modifying her diet, too.
"If I eat really healthy, then I'll probably cut out alcohol for a month or two before my wedding," says Cavallari, who as it is generally sticks to fruit, vegetables and fish or chicken, with very little processed food.